The energy surrounding Lakers vs Mavericks live matchups has fundamentally shifted. It isn't just a game anymore. It’s a referendum on one of the most controversial trades in modern NBA history. If you're tuning in today, January 17, 2026, you're seeing two franchises moving in opposite directions, despite being linked by a single, seismic moment.
The Trade That Still Haunts Dallas
Remember the night of February 1, 2025? It feels like a lifetime ago. The Dallas Mavericks shocked the world by trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. At the time, Nico Harrison—who was later fired in November 2025—argued that "defense wins championships" and that Davis was the missing piece.
Honestly, it looks like a disaster for Dallas now.
Luka is currently lighting it up in LA, averaging over 30 points and nearly a triple-double. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is back on the injury report. It's a tough pill for Mavs fans to swallow. Davis is currently dealing with significant ligament damage in his left hand, an injury sustained earlier this month against Utah. Reports from insiders like Shams Charania suggest he might need surgery, potentially ending his 2025-26 season.
How to Watch Lakers vs Mavericks Live Right Now
If you're looking for the broadcast, you've got a few options depending on your location.
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- National Broadcast: This matchup often lands on ABC or ESPN.
- Local Coverage: Spectrum SportsNet for the Los Angeles market; KMPX or WFAA for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
- Streaming: Fubo is the go-to for many because of the free trial. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV also carry the necessary regional sports networks.
- The Global Option: NBA League Pass remains the gold standard if you're outside the local blackout zones.
Current Standings and Vibes
The Lakers are sitting pretty in the 5th spot of the Western Conference with a 24-15 record. They've found a rhythm under JJ Redick that nobody expected. On the flip side, the Mavericks are struggling at 12th place (16-26). They are basically fighting for their play-in lives.
What's Actually Happening on the Court
Don't let the records fool you; these games are usually dogfights. But the Mavericks are shorthanded. Like, really shorthanded.
Aside from Davis being out, Kyrie Irving is still recovering from that ACL tear from last March. He might not even play this year. Then you have Cooper Flagg, the #1 overall pick and the lone bright spot for Dallas. He’s been phenomenal, but he’s currently listed as doubtful with a stubborn ankle injury.
Basically, the Mavs are rolling out a "next man up" strategy that features Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes. It's a lot to ask.
The Lakers’ New Look
The Lakers aren't just "LeBron’s team" anymore. It's Luka's team now, and LeBron has leaned into a veteran frontcourt role.
- Luka Dončić: Leading the charge with 33.4 PPG.
- Austin Reaves: Providing a solid 18.4 PPG as the secondary playmaker.
- Rui Hachimura: Shooting a career-high 42.2% from three.
It's a balanced attack. When you watch the Lakers vs Mavericks live, notice how much space Luka creates for Hachimura and LeBron. It’s a nightmare to guard.
Why This Matchup Still Matters
Even with the injuries, this game carries weight. For the Lakers, it’s about solidifying a top-4 seed to get home-court advantage in the playoffs. For Dallas, it’s about pride and trying to find some semblance of identity before the February 5 trade deadline.
There's a lot of talk about whether Dallas should just blow it up again.
Key Matchups to Watch
- LeBron James vs. The Mavs' Wings: LeBron is 41, but he’s still a physical mismatch for Naji Marshall.
- Luka Dončić vs. The Crowd: Expect a loud, polarized reaction in Dallas. Half the fans still wear his #77 Mavs jersey, while the other half feels betrayed.
- The Bench Mob: Dalton Knecht has been a spark plug for LA. If he gets hot, the game could get ugly fast.
Expert Insight: The Tactical Reality
Most people think this is just about star power. It's not. It's about depth. The Lakers have it; the Mavericks don't. Since the trade, the Lakers have surrounded their stars with shooters like Dorian Finney-Smith. Dallas, meanwhile, has struggled to find reliable scoring outside of their injured superstars.
If you're betting on this, keep an eye on the over/under. Without Davis and Irving, the Mavs' offense often stutters, leading to lower-scoring affairs than the bookies predict.
Practical Steps for Fans
If you are planning to follow the game or attend a future matchup, here is what you need to do:
- Check the Final Injury Report: NBA teams are required to release an updated report 30 minutes before tip-off. Follow beat writers like Mike Trudell (Lakers) or Marc Stein (Mavericks) on X for the most accurate last-minute news.
- Sync Your Stream: If you're watching via a streaming service, expect a 30-60 second delay compared to the live radio broadcast. Mute your notifications if you don't want spoilers.
- Monitor the Trade Market: With the deadline approaching, keep an eye on players like Jaxson Hayes or Quentin Grimes. Their minutes in this game could be a "showcase" for potential suitors.
- Use Official Apps: The NBA App has integrated "Peacock Performance View" for certain games, giving you real-time analytics that you can't get on a standard TV broadcast.
The era of Lakers vs Mavericks being a "balanced" rivalry is on pause. Right now, it's a showcase of what happens when a gamble fails vs. when a gamble pays off in gold.
Whether you're a die-hard or just a casual viewer, the narrative of Luka returning to the place that drafted him—only to potentially bury their playoff hopes—is the best drama in sports right now. Turn on the TV, grab a drink, and watch the fallout in real-time.